WASHINGTON — Two days after business executives had their turn at the White House, President Barack Obama met with union leaders who were still fuming about his decision to extend the Bush-era tax cuts for wealthy Americans.

Union officials declined to offer much in the way of detail, but the White House has been concerned about the harsh criticism from union leaders, and the meeting was seen as an effort to get the relationship back on track.

“We had a good conversation with President Obama about the economic crisis and the importance of the labor movement in rebuilding the economy and the middle class,” AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka said after the meeting.

Union officials were expected to be blunt with Obama about their unhappiness over the tax deal, a recent trade agreement with South Korea and the decision to freeze pay for federal workers. The meeting ended just minutes before Obama signed the tax bill into law.

Obama’s ties with business leaders have been punctuated by sharp acrimony over issues such as health care, bonus pay and financial regulations. His standing with labor is bolstered by the long link between union leaders and the Democratic Party.

In a statement after Thursday night’s House vote, Trumka struck a less agreeable tone, saying, “This deal comes at a terrible price” and vowing to “redouble” efforts and “fight harder” on behalf of working people.

And in a Wednesday statement, Trumka said he wanted the House to change the tax agreement to eliminate what he called an “indefensible” reduction in the estate tax, which he said was “simply another bonus to the super-rich.”

In a statement, the White House said Obama reiterated his commitment to working together with the labor community to support “policies that protect working Americans and support the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain.” The trade deal has received support from the United Auto Workers because of provisions regarding auto exports, but most other unions have pledged to work against its passage in Congress.

A day earlier, Trumka criticized the deal with congressional Republicans to extend Bush-era tax rates for the highest wage-earners, arguing that money could have been used to invest in the creation of jobs. The deal included a union-sought extension of jobless benefits, but Trumka told his supporters that passage came “at a terrible price.” Union leaders also have complained about the president’s plans for a tax-system overhaul outlined by Obama’s deficit commission. Leaders were expected to raise with Obama their desire to preserve the tax exclusion for employer-provided health benefits.

More in Business

Boulder County 4-H officials prohibited a gun display as an addition to this year’s annual tack show Feb. 24 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds just hours before 15-year-old 4-H member Tegan Brown told leaders she would not attend the event if firearms were present.

McDonald’s Happy Meal is about to get a makeover. On Thursday, the fast-food chain announced new nutrition standards for its kids’ meals and a series of upcoming menu swaps designed to make options for children healthier.

It happens in so many workplaces — two colleagues begin a romantic relationship. But a heightened awareness about sexual harassment means small business owners can get more anxious when employees start dating.